AFT Pharmaceuticals — Maxigesic IV reaches the Chinese shores

AFT Pharmaceuticals (NZX: AFT)

Last close As at 10/10/2024

NZD3.17

0.01 (0.32%)

Market capitalisation

NZD333m

More on this equity

Research: Healthcare

AFT Pharmaceuticals — Maxigesic IV reaches the Chinese shores

AFT Pharmaceuticals has taken another major step in extending its international footprint, with the signing of an exclusive license agreement for Maxigesic IV in China, the second-largest pharma market globally after the US. The agreement has been signed with Xizang Weixinkang Pharmaceutical, a major hospitals injectables focused company, and includes an upfront payment of US$300k along with development and sales-related milestones and royalty payments. Partner Hyloris Pharmaceuticals is entitled to a minority share of the payment, which we believe will be 35%, in line with the deal structure with Hikma in the US. China is a key lever for AFT’s international growth efforts, and we expect Maxigesic IV to be AFT’s second product to be launched in the country, following the anticipated launch of Crystaderm in Q4 CY24.

Jyoti Prakash

Written by

Jyoti Prakash

Analyst, Healthcare

Healthcare

AFT Pharmaceuticals

Maxigesic IV reaches the Chinese shores

Partnership update

Pharma and biotech

30 September 2024

Price

NZ$3.16

Market cap

NZ$331m

NZ$0.61/US$

Net debt (NZ$m) at 31 March 2024

16.2

Shares in issue

104.9m

Free float

25.9%

Code

AFT

Primary exchange

NZX

Secondary exchange

ASX

Share price performance

Business description

AFT Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company that operates primarily in Australasia but has product distribution agreements across the globe. The company’s product portfolio includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs to treat a range of conditions. and a proprietary nebuliser.

Analysts

Jyoti Prakash, CFA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Dr Arron Aatkar

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

AFT Pharmaceuticals is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

AFT Pharmaceuticals has taken another major step in extending its international footprint, with the signing of an exclusive license agreement for Maxigesic IV in China, the second-largest pharma market globally after the US. The agreement has been signed with Xizang Weixinkang Pharmaceutical, a major hospitals injectables focused company, and includes an upfront payment of US$300k along with development and sales-related milestones and royalty payments. Partner Hyloris Pharmaceuticals is entitled to a minority share of the payment, which we believe will be 35%, in line with the deal structure with Hikma in the US. China is a key lever for AFT’s international growth efforts, and we expect Maxigesic IV to be AFT’s second product to be launched in the country, following the anticipated launch of Crystaderm in Q4 CY24.

Year end

Revenue (NZ$m)

PBT*
(NZ$m)

EPS*
(c)

DPS
(c)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

03/23

156.6

16.7

11.0

1.10

29.1

0.3

03/24

195.4

23.0

15.8

1.60

20.2

0.5

03/25e

232.4

23.6

16.5

1.65

19.4

0.5

03/26e

278.3

40.8

28.3

2.83

11.3

0.9

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items, and share-based payments.

Maxigesic IV (developed in collaboration with Hyloris Pharmaceuticals) is a double-strength formulation (1,000mg paracetamol and 300mg ibuprofen) of AFT’s flagship pain-relief prescription medicine. Unlike the base tablet version, the IV formulation specifically focuses on the hospital setting and targets the treatment of patients with post-operative pain. The IV version already has outlicensing or distribution agreements in place in over 20 countries, including the US, Germany, France, Italy, the UK, Canada, Spain and Brazil. The licensing agreement with Xizang Weixinkang Pharmaceutical in China includes an upfront payment of US$300k along with development and sales-related milestones as well as royalty payments, which we expect will support some margin expansion for AFT in FY25. We estimate the company to be eligible for 65% of the inflows, with partner Hyloris entitled to the remining 35% share.

CY24 has seen AFT make significant headway in expanding its international footprint with the first foray into the US market with the launch of Maxigesic IV in early CY24 (marketed under the brand name Combogesic). AFT has reported that partner Hikma has recently received the permanent J-code from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which will aid in billing and reimbursement for the IV formulation. With the anticipated launch of Crystaderm and now Maxigesic IV in China, we see this footprint widening. While AFT already has an e-commerce presence in China, the upcoming launches will provide the company with access to the offline retail and hospital segments, which represent roughly 75% of the country’s pharma market. We remind readers that Crystaderm (topical treatment for skin infections) was the first AFT product to be approved by Chinese regulators (in November 2023) and is expected to be launched in Q4 CY24 by distribution partner Hainan Haiyao. Maxigesic IV has already seen strong sales uptake in Asia, particularly in South Korea, driving the 57% y-o-y growth in revenues in Asia in FY24 (12 months ending March 2024) and we expect momentum to grow with the launch in China.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by AFT Pharmaceuticals and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by AFT Pharmaceuticals. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by AFT Pharmaceuticals and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by AFT Pharmaceuticals. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

More on AFT Pharmaceuticals

View All

Latest from the Healthcare sector

View All Healthcare content

Research: TMT

Nano Dimension — Scaling up

Nano Dimension has agreed to acquire Markforged, a specialist in additive manufacturing (AM) for metal and advanced composites, for cash of $115m. The deal requires regulatory and Markforged shareholder approval, which, if granted, should allow the deal to close by the end of Q125. The combination of Nano Dimension, Desktop Metal (acquisition process underway) and Markforged had pro forma revenue of $340m in FY23. This deal further broadens the product portfolio with the addition of a new printing technology, strengthens Nano Dimension’s position in metal AM and provides greater scale, which should support the path to profitability for the combined group.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free